What Are Itchy Forearms A Sign Of?
Itching your arms can be hard to avoid, especially with the convenient location giving you ease of itch access. Finding out why your forearms itch can help you with treatment options, so you can get rid of that itch.
Itchy forearms typically are not concerning, but there are a few common issues that are easy treatable. You may have come into contact with an allergen, causing an allergic reaction, or it may be an underlying skin condition (via Medical News Today).
Contact dermatitis is caused when you are exposed to a substance that prompts an allergic reaction like redness or swelling to accompany the itching. It usually clears up in 2 to 4 weeks with use of a steroid cream or oral medication, according to Healthline.
Eczema is also a skin issue that leads to dry skin, itching, and redness — but the catch is that scratching it actually makes it more red and itchy. But eczema symptoms are easily treated with gentle soaps and moisturizers in addition to topical creams.
When to see a doctor about your itchy forearms
A chronic condition like brachioradial pruritus also causes itchy forearms, as well as tingling or stinging on your arms. It's not clear what causes this condition, but experts believe it is more likely in sunny climates, as it is a cervical nerve irritation combined with ultraviolet radiation (UVR) on the affected area (via Healthline). Those experiencing these symptoms should avoid the sun, as well as take oral or topical medications prescribed by a doctor.
Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease affecting your immune system, producing scaly, red patches that are itchy. It can also appear on your forearms, but is more common on your elbows, knees, lower back, or scalp (via Medical News Today). Topical and oral medications, as well as light therapy, are possible treatment options.
You should seek medical attention if your itchy forearms also include confusion, swelling of the face or throat, or difficulty breathing, as it could be an allergic reaction. Either way, it is still a good idea to see a doctor to properly diagnose your skin condition and help you find the treatment that works for your skin.